First interleague campaign ends in loss

West Gippsland Football Competition went down in their first community championship campaign, with the Riddell District kicking away after quarter time to win 18-15 (123) to 11-5 (71).

It capped a dark day for representative football in Gippsland, with the Gippsland League going down heavily in their match against Yarra Ranges despite having the wood over their opposition in recent years.

With the Ellinbank and District, Mid Gippsland and Alberton leagues withdrawing from the concept this year, the possibility of no community championship matches in Gippsland again next year could be likely.

Played at Macedon, West Gippsland matched it with the hosts early, taking a narrow three-point lead into quarter time.

Riddell found scoring easier from that point, scoring six goals to three in the second term to take a 15-point lead into half time.

Five goals to one in the third term effectively put the match in the home sides keeping, with a 44 point advantage at the final change.

The teams traded blows in the final term, with the home league booting five goals to four.

Nathan Langley and Toby Mahoney were key targets up forward for West Gippsland, kicking seven goals between them. Ryan Gillis was the other multiple goal scorer and finished among the better players.

Jarrod Witnish, Jeremy Monckton, Daniel Helmore, William Thomas and Joel Gibson were other prominent players in the disappointing loss.

Under 18s loss

West Gippsland also found the going tough in the under 18s, going down `10-16 (76) to 5-12 (42).

West Gippsland kept in touch, before the home team kicked away in the final quarter.

Zach Williamson kicked two goals for West Gippsland, with Eamon Trigg, Lochie Peluso and Lachlan Scott finishing with singles.